Car-coupling.



PATENTED MAR. 13, 1906.

G. H TOMLINSON. GAR COUPLING. 'rruonxon FILED 1120.9, 1904 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED MAR. 1.3, 1906,

c.- H. ToMLINsoN.

GAR GOUPLING. Arrmoulon rILED DBO. a. 1904 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

rvr, .v|| ww u D nnrrnn ,STATES PATENT' OER-ion.

CHARLES H. TOMLINSON, OE DENVER, COLORADO, AssicNoR To THE TOMLINSON-'OOUPLERCOMPANY, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

CAR-COUPLING.

To a/Z whont .it may concern! I Be it known that I, CHARLES I-I. ToMLiN- soN, a citizen of the United States, residing Iin the city and county yof Denver and State of 4car-couplers of the class for use in connection l withradiating draw-bars or draw-bars which are pivoted to the car at their inner extremities in such a vmannerthat they may swing Within certain limits in Order to permit the making of fshort turns or curves, as for use on streetcars in cities where-very short turns are necessary. Each-draw-head is equipped with a vspring-actuated coupling device and a dog or cam adapted to act on the coupling device and also upon the corresponding device of the opposite draw -head when the coupling devices ofthe two draw-heads are in the locked position. This camv is employed for the purpose of throwing the two coupling devices 'to the unlocked. position,

- whereby the cars may be moved away from each other.V The cam is, mounted on a pin whichr passes through v a draw-head and is journaled therein. To one extremity of this in is attached a lever-arm,with which may e connected any suitable device, as a chain, whereby the lever-arm may be manipulated for the purpose of actuating the cam to un' lock the coupling devices.

I-Iaving briefly outlined my improved construction, I will proceed to describe the same in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated anl embodiment thereof. A I

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a topor plan view showing two of my improvedV drawheads with theircoupling devices interlocked.

. In this view the right-hand draw-head is sectionized on the line'l 1, Fig. 4. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section taken through the two draw-heads, showing the coupling devices in the unlocked position. Fig. v3 is a similar view showing: the coupling devicesin fthe Specicaton of Letters `latent.

. Application filed December 9. 1904:. Serial No. 236.091.

atented- March 13, 1906.

locked. position. Fig. 4 is a verticalv section taken through a draw-head, showingy the coupling device and its actuating-cam in ele-l draw-bar and draw-head construction, 'to` gether with the guide-loops, being shown, while the cars to which they are attached are indicated lby dotted -lines, the parts being 'shown on a smaller scale. vation of the same. Fig. 8 is a front end view of the said construction as applied to a single car, which is indicated by dotted lines,

the parts being shown on a larger scale than in'Flgs. '6 and 7. Fig. 9 is a viewv similar to Fig. 3, but showing one of the coupling devices thrown outwardly as far as possible and the spring broken on that side of the drawhead. c n

The same reference characters indicate the ysame parts in all the views.

Let the numeral 5 designate the radiating draw-bar, t'o which each draw-head 6 is rigidlysecured in any suitable manner. These draw-bars 5 are pivotally connected with the car at their rear extremities in a manner that will be readily understood. (See Figs. 6 and 7.) The draw-heads swing horizontally in Fig. 7 1s a side eleloops designated 7 and illustrated in Figs.` 4 l 4to 8, inclusive. These loops guide the drawthe draw head, as may be desired. Each coupling device is further provided with a lateral part 14, projecting outwardly from its head 10 and adaptedto enter a slot 15, formed in the opposite draw-head when thetwo draw-heads are in the coupling or abutting position.

The shank of each coupling `device is engaged by asuitable spring 16. In the drawings Va stron'gleaf-s'pring 1s illustrated, being fastened at' its rear extremity to the exterior.A

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of the draw-bar, as shown at 17, and assing through an opening formed in the waff of the draw-bar, as shown at 18. In each draw-bar is journaled a spindle 19, to which is secured .a cam20, having curved extremities 21, ar-

ranged to act on the shank of one coupling device and the head of the other for the purpose of throwing them to the unlocked position or that shown in Fig. 2, when the spindle is turned in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3. The upper part of each drawhead is provided with a recess 22, which -is covered by a late 23, integral with the body of the drawead. Within the recess 22 `is located a lever-arm 24, which is made fast to the upper extremity of the spindle 1 9. To the free extremity of this lever-arin is attached'an operating device 25. In the drawings a chain is illustrated. It is evident that any suitable iiexible device may be employed. As shown in the drawings, one end of this device is attached to the lever-arm, while the other extremity is connected with the outer wall of the draw-head, as shown at 26 or in any other suitable manner.

The side of each draw-bar is provided with a laterally-projecting rib 27, so that when the draw-bar during its swinging movement enT gages a stop 7a the operating-chain 25 will be protected and left in position to move freely for the purpose of operating the lever-arm 24. lf it were not for this rib, the chain might be crowded or held tightly between the wall of the draw-head and the stop, which the latter may engage. This stop maybe the extremity of the guide-loop 7 or any other suitable device employed to limit the swing of the drawhead.

Attention is called to the fact that the abutting extremities of the draw-bars are notched, as shown in Fig. 1, whereby the two extremities interlock, the one extremity being the counterpart of the other extremity, so that as the two draw-heads approach each other they are guided by these notched parts into proper alinement with each other. These notched features also prevent lateral play or movement of the draw-heads on each other when coupled.

From the foregoing description the use and operation of myiniproved device will be readily understood. Each car is equipped with one of my improved draw-heads, which is attached to a bar 5, connected with the car, as heretofore ex lained. Assuming that the cams 2O of eac draw-head are in the position shown in Fig. 3 or at the left of Fig. 2, as the two cars equipped as aforesaid approach each other their hook-shaped heads will engage, and as the movement of the cars continues the two s ring-actuated coupling devices 8 will inter ock, as shown in Fi 3. It will be observed. that the engaging faces of the two coupling devices are curved or beveled, whereby as the cars approach each other each coupling device is forced outwardly against its sprin until the offsets of the hookshaped heads o the coupling devices are in position to interlock. When the cams 20 are in position to allow the coupling devices to interlock, as aforesaid, the lever-ariii 24 is in alineiiient with the center of the draw-lieads or with the draw-bar 5, as indicated by dotted lines at the left of Fig. 1. Now when it is desired to uneouple the ears, the two locking or coupling devices may be thrown to the unlocked position by grasping the chain 25 and throwing the lever-arm 24 to the position shown at the ri ht of Fig. 1, the corresponding position of t e cam 20 being indicated at the right of Fig. 2. When this is done, the two coupling devices are separated, as indicated in Fig. 2, whereby the cars may be moved apart in a manner that will be readily understood.

The top of each draw-head below the plane of the plate 23 is provided with an inclined lugv 28, having an offset 29, which the leverarm 24 engages when its cam 2() is thrown to the position to unlock the coupling devices. Each draw-head is further provided with a .lug 30, having an offset or shoulder 31, which prevents the lever 24 from moving out of its normal or central position in the direction opposite, that in which it moves when its cam is actuated to unlock the coupling devices. V

Each draw-head is hollow or provided with a chamber 32 to permit the necessary movement of its coupling device and to allow the interlockingliead of the other coupling device to enter or move to the locking position. Attention is also called to the fact that the head or coupling extremity of each coupling device 8 protrudes from the chamber of its draw-head a suflicient distance to permit the interlocking of the two coupling devices when the two draw-lieads have reached the abutting or approximately the abutting position. In accordance with the use of the chamber 32 of each draw-head, as just explained, the inner extremity of this chamber is comparatively narrow, while the chamber increases in width toward its forward extremity. Hence the side walls of the draw-head diverge from each other as they extend forwardly from the connection of the draw-head with the draw-bar.

The lateral projection 14 of the head of each coupling device forms a defiector to prevent the head of the opposite coupling device from engaging the forward extremity of the draw-head and possibly breaking the same in case the approaching coupling device should strike the opposite coupling device outside of the proper position for coupling purposes.

For instance, if an approaching car should be in such position that its coupling device 8 will engage the o posite coupling device 9 outside of the inc ined or curved inner sur- IOC IIO

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-v tion 14, whereby it would be prevented from facey of Vthe'headthel one'coupling ldevice would be deflected outwardly by the proj ecpassing between the other coupling device and the side wall of the draw-head. It is v'therefore evident that if it were notfor'this uncouple.

projection14 it would bel possible for ythe coupling device vof an approaching car to break the draw-head of the opposite car, since` the force of the 'approaching car would be great. Hence it is evident that thedeiiecting projections 14 perform an important function.4

AAttention is also calledto the fact that by providing an opening or recess 22, in which the lever-arm 24 for manipulating a. cam 21 operates, this manipulating-arm and its-connections are below the top of the draw-head and are thus completely protected from coming in contact with the top of the guide-loops 7, which otherwise'would interfere with the o eration of the lever-arm and its connections, as will be readily understood. In further explanation of the advantages of my improved construction it may be stated'that in case a spring 16 should break its coupling device' cannot move far enough outwardly to disconnect it from the opposite coupling device. vHence unless. both springs 16 should be broken at the same time the cars cannot This is.' clearly illustrated in Fig. 9 in whichl the spring on one side of the drawhead is broken and the coupling'device of .that draw-head thrown outwardly as far asY possible, while the coupling devices of the .two draw-heads are.still interlocked.

Having thus described my invention, what I'claim is 1. In a ,car-coupler, `the combination withv a car, of a hollow draw-head pivotally connected therewith, a spring-actuated coupling chamber to permit the locking device the'l device vpivotally connected with the drawhe'ad' and having a hook-shaped coupling extremity protruding from the forward extremity of the draw-head which is provided with a necessary movement, and means connected with the draw-head and arranged to act on the` coupling device to throw it to the unlockedvposition, said means being accessible from the outside ofthe draw-head, the latter being provided with a top protecting-plate for the unlocking means and the forward extremity of the draw-head being notched to tremit itsy forward extremity 'being-hook? shape and protruding from the forward extremity of the draw-head, a spring engaging the coupling device and normally holding it in position to interlock with the correspondv ing coupling device of an opposite draw-head, -f a cam movably mounted on the draw-head and adapted to be manipulated from-the outside, the said cam acting as a stop tolimit the v cated outside of the draw-head "chamber, for manipulating the cam, the draw-head 'being provided with a protecting-plate for the said manipulating means.

3, In a car-coupler, the combination with a car, of a hollow draw-head pivotally connectedwith the car-whereby-it is allowed a lateral swing on its pivot, the draw-head having its forward extremity notched, a coupling device pivotally mounted in thedraw-head and havingits forward extremity hookshaped and protruding from the forward-extremityof the draw-head to interlock with the corresponding device of an opposite drawhead, a spring acting on the coupling device, a spindle journaled in the draw-head, a cam fast on the spindle and located within the draw-head and in position toact on the coupling device to throw it to the unlocked position, andvmeans connected with the spindle whereby the cam may be manipulated from the outside of the draw-head, the latter being provided with 'atop plate for protecting the said cam-manipulating means.

4. Ina car-coupler,` the combination of a hollow draw-head, a spring-actuated coupling device movably mounted therein, means for throwing thecoupling device to the unlocked position consisting of a cam located within the draw-head, a spindle connected with the cam and journaled in the draw-head, a leverarm connected with the spindle, a iiexible device connected with the lever-arm and occupying "a position exteriorly of the drawhead and along-one side thereof, the drawhead being provided with a rib along the side thereof, to protect the flexible device for the purpose set forth.

5. The combination of a draw-head, a suitable coupling device, a cam locatedwithin vthe draw-head and acting on the coupling device, a spindle j ournaled in the draw-head to which spindle the cam is made fast, the

upper part of the draw-head being provided with a recess open 'at the sides but covered on top, and a lever-arm made fast to the spindie and adapted to move within the said recess for manipulating the spindle to operate the cam for the purpose set forth.

6.v In a car-coupler, the combination of two hollow draw-heads pivotally connected with their respective cars whereby they have a lOO IIO

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swinging movement, the adjacent extremities of the draw-heads being notched to interlock to prevent independent lateral movement when the cars are coupled, coupling devices movably mounted in the draw-heads and having protruding hook-shaped coperating coupling extremities, springs engaging the coupling devices, cams movably mounted in the respective draw-heads, each cam being adapted to act on both coupling devices to throw them to the unlocked position, and means connected with the cams but located outside of the draw-head chambers for manipulating the cams within the chambers, the draw-heads being provided with top protecting plates for the cam manipulating means.

7. The combination of a swinging drawhead and a coupling device movably mounted therein and having a coupling extremityT provided with a horizontally-disposed deiiecting part projecting outwardly from the head, the latter being provided with a slot in the side remote from the deflecting part, to receive the said part of the coupling device of the opposite draw-head.

8. The combination of two draw heads, and coupling devices movably mounted in the draw heads, the said devices having hook-shaped interlocking heads, the space between each coupling deviceand one wall of its draw-head being less than the length of the interlocking hooks of the coupling devices for the purpose set forth.

9. The combination of a draw head, a coupling device located therein, and means for manipulating the coupling device from the outside of the draw-head, the said means including an eXteriorly-located member, the

draw-head being provided with a top protecting-plate for the said member.

10. The combination of a draw-head, a coupling device located therein, and means for manipulating the coupling device from the outside of the draw-head,y the said means i including an eXteriorly-located member, the

draw-head being provided with a top protecting-plate for the said member, the latter being located in a recess formed in the top wall of the draw-head, the said top plate having its upper surface lying in the same plane with the corresponding surface of the body of the draw-head.

11. In a car-coupler, the combination of inline-i two hollow draw-heads pivotallyv connected with their respective cars, coupling devices pivotallymounted in the respective drawheads and normally spring held in the coupled position, the said coupling devices protruding from the draw-heads in front and adapted to interlock for coupling purposes, the abutting extremities of the draw-heads being provided with interlocking counterpart recesses and projections located in the rear of the forward extremities of the coupling devices to prevent independent lateral movement of the `draw-heads when the cars are coupled.

12. The combination with a draw-head, of a suitable coupling device, a cam located within the draw-head and acting on the coupling device, a spindle journaled in the drawhead to which spindle the cam is made fast, and a lever-arm made fast to the spindle and actuating the latter to throw the locking device to the unlocked position, the draw-head being provided with a lug adapted to engage the lever and hold it in the position corresponding with the unlocked position of the cam and spindle.

13. The combination with a draw-head, of a suitable coupling device, a cam located within the draw-head and acting on the coupling device, a spindle journaled in the drawhead to which spindle the cam is made fast, and a lever-arm made fast to the spindle for manipulating the latter to operate the cam, the upper part of the draw-head adjacent the spindle being provided with lugs forming stops to hold the lever-arm in either position of adjustment. i

14. The combination with a draw-head, of a spring-actuated coupling device located therein, a lever located outside of the drawhead and connected with the cou ling device for throwing the latter to the un ocked position, the draw-head being provided adjacent the lever with an inclined lug having an offset for holding the lever in the position corresponding with the unlocked position of the coupling device.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature vin presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES H. TOMLINSON.

Witnesses:

DENA NELSON, A. J. OBRIEN. 

